Since the fall of the iron curtain in 1989 Eastern Europe has opened its doors and welcomed Western tourists. Now nearly 20 years later most of the Eastern European countries have been admitted to the European Union and travel in Eastern Europe has never been easier.
You no longer need visas to visit and the lengthy lineups at the borders have become a thing of the past. Visiting Poland, Hungary or the Czech Republic is now not only easy to do but you will find that these countries want visitors. Tourism is one of the major industries that are flourishing in former Eastern block countries.
Krakow, Warsaw, Budapest and Prague are all cities rich in medieval and 20th century history. Classic architecture, Byzantine influenced churches and cathedrals, combined with 20th century history make these cities interesting places to spend some time.
The Polish city of
Krakow is known for its renaissance architecture and the fact that it was home to Pope John Paul II before he became Pope. Popular with British stag parties, a weekday visit should ensure that the revilers have gone home. Any visit to
Krakow should include a walk through the old town, a stop at Wawel Castle, complete with fire breathing dragon and a visit to the ancient Jewish quarter of Kazimierz.
Warsaw, Poland has been sacked by nearly every major power in Europe at one time or another. Pre-war Warsaw was called the “Paris of the east” but the city was badly damaged in WWII. With a rich Jewish history and the dubious reputation of being home to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Warsaw has managed to not only survive the worst but to prosper since the fall of the iron curtain.
Another old city that has survived wars and occupation by various European powers over the centuries is
Budapest, Hungary. Today
Budapest is considered to be the “capital of middle Europe” and “one of the most important cultural centers” of Europe. The City suffered severe damage at the end of WWII when the retreating German army destroyed much of the city. It was rebuilt in 1945 and again in 1956 after a soviet invasion. Budapest is a mixture of new and old and a city worth seeing. Take a cruise down the Danube River or visit the Citadella for a view of this fascinating city that just keeps on going no matter what happens to it.
The bohemian capital of
Prague is known as the “city of 100 towers and spires” due to the large number of churches and palaces in the town center. A popular back packing destination, Prague is no longer the bargain it once was. Follow the Royal Road into the city center or old town, tour the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) and stop at the Prague castle for a visit to St.Vitus Church. Enjoy some excellent dining in the city center and see the funky clock tower parade the apostles like cuckoo birds every hour on the hour. But you must be quick as the only come out for a few seconds each.
A visit to the great capitals of Eastern Europe is a pleasant change from the West. The cities are full of medieval and 20th century history and the people are warm and welcoming. You haven’t really seen Europe until you have been to Krakow, Warsaw, Budapest and Prague. All these cities have survived invasions, occupation, wars and communism to emerge stronger and more beautiful than ever.
